What Jesus Did! 'Listen and Obey' — Mark 4:3-9

Monday, February 26, 2024

[Jesus told this parable:] "Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn't have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" Then he said, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand."
— Mark 4:3-9 NLT

Key Thought

One of the most important questions we need to ask ourselves seriously is this: "Am I truly willing to listen to Jesus, hear what he says, and do what he asks of me?" The parables are powerful learning stories that plant the word of Jesus deep in our hearts. But, we must be committed to hearing what is said so that it takes root, grows, and produces fruit. We determine the type of soil we offer to the Good News of Jesus. So let's ask the Father to help us hear Jesus' words and put them into practice.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, my Abba Father, open my heart to the teaching of Jesus. Remove the barriers that I have placed between your will and my proper hearing of your truth. I so much want your Son's words to come to life in me and bear fruit. Mold me, correct me, and mature me as I open my heart, my life, and my will to the words of your Son. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 6:11
  • Mark 7:14
  • Mark 9:2-7

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 4:3-9 NLT — "Listen!

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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